Re: the record. Must disagree with you. That he hasn't tested positive, at this point, becomes almost totally irrelevant. Even under the criminal standard of proof, Bonds is guilty. Imagine this: A guy is suspected of doing a major bank robbery. There's some circumstantial evidence he did it: while he was well off before, shortly after the robbery he had a ridiculous amount of cash on hand, for example. It's been established he was in the area at the time, that he had access to the bank, and the tools of the robbery. But he was under investigation, a search warrant was issued, and they could not find the cash, according to the serial numbers of the money taken, in his possession.

Then, further investigation finds co-conspirators' detailed notes describing working with him to plan the robbery, and describe actually doing the robbery. Some of the co-conspirators then, when directly interrogated, turn state's evidence, and say: He did the robbery, I was with him when he did it, I witnessed it, I helped him do the robbery. Others testify: He told me he himself he did the robbery. Others say: while he had plenty of money for years, before the robbery he often spoke of his jealousy for those he knew had done bank robberies and were wealthier than he was. Added up, there are ore than 20 witnesses who will testify against the suspect. There are no, zero, known witnesses that would provide evidence contradicting this testimony.

A jury confronted with the motive, the circumstantial evidence, and the direct evidence in the form of eyewitnesses, would convict in a heartbeat.

That he hasn't tested positive is like not finding the money with the serial numbers. That evidence could be hidden does not provide reasonable doubt as to the act.

Now, can we start to question that HGH and BGH and steroids might not have contributed to Bonds' record? Not with a straight face, we can't.

Did Bonds break the record before steroids became specifically banned by baseball? No- so any hit while he used them should not count towards the record, and the evidence is that he has used for years.

The record is not legitimate and shouldn't be recognized by anyone, never mind Home Depot.

You make a very convicing point. However, how far back are we to go? Do we take way every home run Jason Giambi hit against the Sox? Does Mike Greenwell get his MVP?

The more I think about it, MLB is the most guilty of all.
The MLB has to be cleaned up and I'm not talking drugs. It is as much corrupt as its players. Bud Selig "former owner" of Milwaukee and the MLB owns a franchise (Washington) to name but two more instances of conflict of interest.

I don't see how it can take action at this point. It is time to simply move on. And hope for better tomorrows.

Agreed on baseball in general. And right, I agree with the slippery slope problem: where does one stop with the record washing? But Bonds' potential record is a specific, clear question: Does he deserve the title of record holder if there is clear and convincing evidence he cheated to attain it?

Here's what baseball needs and George will do it: CLOSURE

Keep in mind he is focusing on 2002 and forward, he will end up having a general report outling how bad it was, not naming names, and declare that is no longer a problem. He will have a descriptive and concise remedy to the problem, and will outline it all to politically protect an institution in baseball. We need to move and go forth. Keep in mind this scandel could ruin baseball, and we need to move on.
Don't forget, the writers have the choice for the Hall of Fame, let them choose!!!

Hey Madhat-

I turst you know the rules of evidence in such situations? Mentiuoning a jury as if it is a civil issue or criminal? Different levels my friend.

Keep in mind Senate hearings on it were enough to expose it, forget justice and move on with things. We are all guilty of watching Sosa, Mcguire, and Bonds, where were the steroids issues then?

Agreed that G. Mitchell is a man of integrity, however, if this partial owner of the Redsox is to caste a microscope on the players of baseball for steroids, it should further be cast on the owners and trainers as well. This inquiry of steroids in baseball may lead to the asterisks of many a player, but could also call for the resignation of the baseball commissioner... hmmm... G. Mitchell would fill that vacancy nicely...